autumn

If you look closely, you can see it.Telltale signs that the season is changing.Although fall, or autumn, doesn’t officially begin until Friday, September 22, you can already see a few leaves falling from the trees, and even though it is not unusual for retail stores to carry autumn merchandise earlier each year, we’re already seeing Halloween as well as Thanksgiving decorations for sale. It’s difficult to find a bathing suit for sale anywhere except at the beach. Children are starting, or have already started school, just a little earlier this year.Football schedules are being posted.Pumpkin flavored coffees are now available.

But wait, the temperature is supposed to be 88 degrees here today!The pools are still open.The creek, river and ocean water temperatures are really comfortable.Surely you wouldn’t leave the house without that extra sunscreen or bug repellent yet.The summer flowers are blooming where there has been enough rain.Flip flops and sandals are still on the feet.The grill is still the best place to cook that meal.The birds are still hanging around, just listen as the sun begins to rise.The humidity doesn’t seem to be dipping below 90%.Baby animals can be seen if you take a walk on a trail, or for some, simply look out of your window.

Thankful for the change in seasons in Virginia.Thankful to recognize the changes.Hanging tight to summer just a few more days, while acknowledging and planning for autumn.

Sure, when you walk into retail locations now, you don't see many pumpkins left. What remains are those for pies and decorating. Yes, we continue to recognize Thanksgiving, our national holiday celebrated as a day to be thankful on the 4th Thursday each November here in the United States. We are also very thankful for Christmas, which is right around the corner. We even help some of our pumpkins decorate and celebrate both Thanksgiving and Christmas by painting and crafting with them! Just imagine a gold spray painted pumpkin with a little silver spray on the stem looking like a cute Christmas ornament on our porch or stacking a couple of pumpkins, painting them white, and decorating them like a snow man. Oh, the ideas that we hear!

We are thankful to each of our customers who allow us to do what we love. Thank you very much!

So, it is said that September 22, 2016 is the first day of Fall. Pumpkins planted in the Spring and Summer are preparing to make their way to you. Just a few leaves are starting to fall in Virginia, the nights are beginning to get a little cooler, and pumpkin flavor is now in stores for coffee, cookies, and just about anything else a pumpkin lover can dream. The sun is still warm during the day, but daylight is starting to last just a little less each day. Fall is a time of reflection as we once again realize how fast summer passes, a new school year begins; and well, we know that colder season will come far too quickly for some of us.

Had to put on a jacket yesterday morning for the first time this season, which means pumpkin season is really here. The warm, sun-kissed afternoons follow, and then cool evenings again. Just a few more days left of our official summer. Enjoy, and think about your upcoming favorite pumpkin holiday!